Clean + Simple Card: Splendid Day

Hello friends!! Today I'm sharing a couple of easy throw-back techniques to add some texture and a little interest to the clean and simple card. I'm using the Splendid Thoughts bundle from Stampin' Up! and sharing a bumped up version at the end of the video that's also pictured below. If you have about 8 minutes to see how this card came together, please visit HERE.

I chose to use the Sahara Sand textured side of the Designer Series Paper for this card, rather than the shiny foiled side, keeping the design a bit more serene. The two techniques I mentioned above include:

1) Distressing the edges of the Pool Party layer with my scissors by running the blades along the edge of the card stock to rough it up. This adds a very light texture that's interesting to the design.

2) Using the block itself to stamp out the background layer. I took an H-size clear block, tapped it on the Soft Sea foam ink pad and stamped that rectangular shape onto the white card stock to create the background color. Just another way to add color to the outline image and design but it also adds another layer of interest yet keeps the design clean and simple.

The botanical outline image and sentiment were both stamped with Basic Gray ink and I added a few iridescent rhinestone gems to finish off the card.

Here, below on the left, is a bumped up version of the same card. I tweaked the design slightly, but overall the same supplies were used, I just included an extra full layer of card stock, some additional vellum die cuts and some of that beautiful, shiny, silver trim.

I hope you enjoyed the cards for today and they inspire you to pull out your stamps and try some distressing or color-blocking with your clear blocks to create a subtle, colored background for your focal image.

If you need any stamping supplies and would like to place an order through my SHOP it's always very much appreciated. The commission I earn helps to support my business, including helping to pay for my website, so I have a place to share all of these fun card ideas. The HOST CODE you can use at check out through 8/30/2022 is 9FMFCFNC. Thanks so much!!

Also, if you're reading this between 8/21and 8/23/2022, registration is still OPEN for my Virtual Creative Retreat - Holiday Edition. You can get all the details HERE if you're interested in participating. This is a fun day of crafting along with me from the comfort of your own home!

Thanks so much for your interest in Queen City Stamp Art! I'll be back next week with more Quick and Easy card ideas!